Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the music industry in Africa, with the emergence of virtual singers like Mya Blue.
Created by Nigerian musician and producer Eclipse Nkasi, Mya Blue is not just a virtual singer but a representation of the melding of technology and music.
In a recent Instagram post, Mya Blue described herself as a music lover exploring the different sounds of the world, challenging the perception that AI is a threat to human creativity in music.
She features in Nkasi’s remix of the classic tune “Joromi” by the late Nigerian highlife artist Sir Victor Uwaifo.
While some high-profile artists like Billie Eilish and Nicki Minaj have expressed concerns about the predatory use of AI tools that they say steal artists’ voices, Nkasi and Mya Blue aim to demonstrate the positive potential of AI in music creation.
Despite fears of cultural appropriation and concerns about the impact of AI on traditional music and African heritage, many African artists and industry professionals see the opportunities that AI presents.
Nkasi, for example, produced Africa’s first AI-powered music album, “Infinite Echoes,” and believes that AI can be used to enhance music production rather than replace traditional music practices.
However, there are challenges to be addressed, such as the lack of African data to dictate AI algorithms accurately and the need for better financing in the music industry.
With the growing realization that embracing AI technology is essential for the African music industry’s future, there is a push for more investment in data infrastructure and a re-evaluation of copyright legislation.
As Mya Blue embarks on her musical journey and challenges the status quo, the debate around AI in music continues.
